First, JVC revealed it would be showing an HDTV that was 1.5 inches thick. Then LG showed its 1.7-inch thick TV. Now, Pioneer has unveiled its concept design for a 50-inch plasma TV that's just 9mm in width. That translates to 0.35, for those of who are metrics challenged.
This engineering feat gives the effect, as Pioneer describes it, of the TV floating on the wall. Such a design also means the TV can shave off pounds; this 50-inch prototype weighs 41 pounds--lighter than conventional 50-inch models. This prototype design won't be commercially available in 2008.
Another concept design Pioneer unveiled today: Project Kuro. The focus of Project Kuro is on producing the first plasma with "extreme" contrast--the TV is absolute black, with no measurable light emitting from the display. Blacker blacks can help produce more vivid, accurate colors.